How to Ride a Mini Mal Surfboard

Mini mal boards range from 7 to 8 feet, with a rounder body and a bit more width than other boards. You can learn to surf the waves on a mini mal board, taking advantage of its ample stability. This board can be an alternative to the longboard for first-timers. Mini mal boards provide more maneuverability but less stability than longer boards. Also called fun boards, surfers can practice and learn more skills with the mini mal.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look for small, close waves, especially if you are riding a mini mal for the first time. Begin with small, breaking waves and avoid large ones that are more likely to cause falls and injuries. Attempt bigger waves once you are more familiar with your board.

    • 2

      Hold the mini mal at arm's length with a hand on each side as you tread water to find an ideal spot in the water. Once you see oncoming water, jump over the water and continue moving with your board until you are at a comfortable depth where small waves are rolling toward the beach.

    • 3

      Position the board at your side with the nose facing the shore. Pick a small wave that looks just big enough to ride. Just before the wave reaches you, push the board toward the beach and pull yourself up and rest your upper body flat on top of the board. Place your body in the center with the nose about two inches above the water surface.

    • 4

      Paddle with both arms as the small wave approaches from behind you. Keep paddling as the wave starts to lift your board up. Expect an increase in speed.

    • 5

      Pop up from the paddling position to the standing position. Put your hands on the edges of the board under your torso and do a push-up. The mini mal has a little more width than other boards, so this may take some getting used to. While in the push-up position, move one leg up and transition to the stand-up stance as quickly as you can. Balance your body weight and position one hip toward the nose and the other toward the board's tail. Bend your knees slightly and hold the arms out for balance. Ride the board all the way to the shore or near the shore. Repeat and practice until you're ready to tackle bigger waves and learn more maneuvers.